What are some ways to engage with resource agencies?

Some approaches that communities have used to build productive working relationships between Indigenous Guardian programs and resource agencies include:

• Host a meeting at the beginning of each season with on-the-ground staff from all the resource agencies working in your territory. Find out what each other’s priorities are, where work activities overlap and how to communicate effectively throughout the season.
• Organize regular meetings with specific resource agencies to exchange and share information about planned activities throughout the season.
• Educate and regularly update resource agency staff about your Indigenous Guardian program and stewardship priorities and activities.
• Plan with resource agency staff to get out in the field with your guardians to  create opportunities for shared learning, hands-on doing, and relationship building.
• When possible, conduct joint patrols with resource agency compliance and enforcement staff to build relationships, share knowledge, coordinate efforts, and learn from each other.
• Develop procedures with resource agency staff  about best ways to report and follow up on compliance infractions that are observed and reported by your guardians.
• Where appropriate, have guardians participate in resource agency-led research and other resource management projects to build skills and experience.
• Where appropriate, invite resource agency staff to participate in your guardian and stewardship activities to build their skills and experience.
• Explore opportunities for guardians to participate in technical and professional training that is offered to resource agency staff.
• Find ways to share data, observations, and other information both formally and informally.